Tuesday, July 22, 2014

New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira could return to the lineup as early as Thursday, maybe Friday, according to the Yankees Injury Report. In fact, general manager Brian Cashman has stated that he has a "low-level" concern for Texieira's lat strain, indicating that Teixeira is nearly ready. The news is not as good, though, for rookie pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, who has not yet received clearance to begin throwing in attempt to return from an elbow injury.

Mark TeixeiraThe New Jersey Star Ledger's Jorge Castillo reported Tuesday night that Cashman expects Teixeira to miss no more than three to four games, which would have him returning for either the finale of the four-game series with the Texas Rangers or the beginning of the weekend series with the Toronto Blue Jays, a showdown for second place in the A.L. East.

Teixeira strained his left lat on July 20, but no word came out about ituntil the next day. He has not played since then. Castillo quoted Cashman discussing the significance of losing his first baseman for even just a few games. Said Cashman,

“The only concern is that we don’t have him available for the short-term and that’s not optimal. He gives us a different lineup. He’s a significant impact piece for us when he’s out there both offensively and defensively. Hopefully the short-term rest is going to benefit him and he can come back and get back to doing what we’re accustomed to seeing.”

Teixeira is hitting .231 with 17 HR and 48 RBI. Cashman also stated that Teixeira's condition had no bearing in the Yankees' acquisition of Chase Headley from the San Diego Padres.

Masahiro Tanaka
Meanwhile, Castillo also noted that Tanaka has not received clearance to begin throwing -- nor has he received word on when that might happen. He must rest for at least three weeks first, so he could start a throwing program by the end of July if he has no further problems. He last pitched on July 8. Tanaka is 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 18 starts.

Tanaka received a platelet injection to help reduce pain and swelling in his right elbow, where he has a partially-torn UCL. The Yankees have not ruled out surgery, but they and Tanaka still have hopes that he can avoid it. The Injury Report calls Tanaka optimistic that he will avoid surgery, and, according to Castillo, Cashman indicated a possible return for Tanaka in September.